The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.
Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism
Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”
This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.
“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”
Background of the Murders
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.
The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.
